A Rhewl roadman’s ploy to get his son to perform in Welsh has earned him the title of Song for Wales.

Erfyl Owen’s submission Cofio Hedd Wy has beaten competition from seven other entrants to be voted winner at the Cân i Gymru competition to represent Wales in the upcoming Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland.

Mr Owen, know as Bov is Rhewl, said :”There was some really good songs in the competition, so I was really nervous, my heart was pumping more than ever.

“I’m in my 60s, I thought I might have a heart attack.”

Mr Owen’s song competed against musicians from throughout Wales, including Byw a Bod by Llanefyd’s Mared Williams and Ton, sung by Steffan Rhys Hughes from Llangwyfan.

The song, which fuses traditional Celtic music with rap commemorates last year’s Centenary of poet Hedd Wyn’s death in Flanders, and led to the reformation of son Harri’s band the Clwydian rangers to Ceidwad y Gân.

Mr Owen added: “The experience was very exciting for me, but especially for the lads. They’ve only been playing together for 12 months, so it’s a great start to their career.”

Ceidwad y Gan and Mr Owen will now head to Letterkenny in Ireland on April 3 to compete against teams from Scotland, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and the hosts for a prize of £1000.

Mr Owen said: “I’m cautiously optimistic, but it doesn’t really matter how we do - it will be a great experience regardless.”

Ipsoregulated

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